What Size Sand Filter Do I Need For A 24 Foot Pool

Pool filters are as important to your pool as your kidneys are to your own trunk. We know that sounds kind of gross, but it's true. Though chlorine and other sanitizers work to kill bacteria and other contaminants, the filter is what really removes them from the water. Without it, your pool water would grow cloudy and make full with debris. Not exactly fun for swimming.

So how do yous cull the best one? It's non nearly which one is the least expensive, though cost is certainly a cistron. You want a filter that will trap contaminants, be piece of cake to clean and maintain, and last more than just a few seasons. In order to brand the best selection for your pool, offset get a handle on your options.

Pool Filter Types

The outset stride to choosing the best filter is knowing what your options are. You take three types of filters to choose from: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth, or D.East. Cost, replacement frequency, and filtration rates differ by type. And if yous're wondering how to clean a puddle filter, that will likewise depend on the blazon yous select.

But before you can accurately compare pool filter types, how well they function, and how much piece of work they require to maintain, you demand to know nearly microns.

What the Heck is a Micron?

Pool filters measure the size of contaminants they're capable of removing in microns. It's short for micrometer, which is one millionth of a meter.

Having trouble picturing only how small that is? A unmarried strand of homo hair is near 50 microns, or nigh .05 millimeters in diameter. Some bacteria measures nearly 2 microns, or about .002 millimeters in diameter.

Whether they've been killed by chlorine or not, leaner and other contaminants can only be filtered out if the filter media—the material that actually does the filtering—is fine enough to collect those teeny, tiny particles.

Sand Filters

If y'all're on a budget, and you want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best choice for yous. It's as well optimal for large pools because it won't clog as easily every bit other filters.

Your pool pump sucks water in from the skimmers, then pushes it through a large filtration tank full of sand. The standard media used within the tank is #20 silica sand. Information technology grabs particles that measure out 20 microns and larger.

Each grain of sand is, for lack of a better discussion, prickly. If you could look at it under a microscope, you lot'd come across it has lots of little rough edges all around it, which is how it grabs contaminants and debris that laissez passer through the filter.

Every bit weeks and years laissez passer, and more water flows through the filter, those rough edges are slowly worn down by erosion, eventually condign smooth surfaces that aren't able to capture anything.

At the aforementioned time, the particles trapped within the sand volition build upwards over the life of the filter. This tin can actually help trap smaller particles, fifty-fifty as the sand itself begins to smooth out. But eventually, information technology will prevent proper water flow through the filter, reducing the filter'southward efficiency.

A pressure level guess on the side of the filter volition alert you to increasing internal force per unit area—a sign information technology'southward time to backwash the filter. This easy cleaning method the filter reverses the water flow, flushing all the debris to waste.

Because the silica captures particles of 20 microns or larger, yous'll actually need to stay on acme of your puddle water chemistry. If there's not enough sanitizer in your pool to kill those tiny, ii-micron bacteria, a sand filter isn't going to grab them either, and they'll be floating effectually in your puddle with you.

Pool Filter Sand

Coarse filter media for pool sand filters.

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Sand Alternatives

Although #xx silica is the standard media in sand filters, you lot can slightly increase filtration efficiency by adding D.E. pulverization after backwashing or replacing the sand.

You lot can also entirely replace the silica with one of two alternatives.

ZeoSand: This is made from a mineral called zeolite. You lot need only half as much (by weight in pounds) every bit standard pool filter sand. It'southward crystal-like shape naturally traps smaller contaminants than silica. This improves h2o clarity and requires less frequent backwashing. ZeoSand lasts about v years, so its lifespan is similar to silica.

Filter Drinking glass: This is finely crushed, recycled glass. Don't worry about cuts—it's smooth to the bear on. It has a negative electrical charge which attracts positively charged particles, such as fe and manganese. You lot can utilize about 20% less filter drinking glass than you lot would silica, while filtering droppings as small as 5 microns. Information technology besides lasts upwards to iii times longer than puddle sand.

Sand Filter Pros:

• Lower cost
• Easier maintenance
• Sand lasts five to vii years earlier needing to exist changed
• Filtration efficiency tin can be additional with additives alternative media

Sand Filter Cons:

• 20-micron filtration is the least constructive of the iii types
• Backwashing and rinsing wastes h2o
• Building force per unit area decreases filter efficiency

Cartridge Filters

Though they're typically a bit more expensive than sand filters, cartridge filters are just as easy to maintain, and are more effective every bit long as you don't have a huge pool.

Within a tank slightly smaller than their sand cousins is a plastic cylinder surrounded past pleated polyester filter media and capped on each end. H2o flows into the tank and through the pleats. Debris as modest every bit ten microns is captured in the filter, then clean water heads dorsum to the puddle.

Cartridges are energy efficient and cheap. As the filter collects contaminants, information technology'll need cleaning. Rather than backwashing, you lot'll simply remove the cartridge from the tank, and spray it with a hose to remove droppings and clay.

Occasionally, you'll want to spray it down with filter cleaner, and on a regular footing, soak it in diluted muriatic acid or a chemical filter cleaning solution. While this is a bit more physical work for you than backwashing, it wastes less water.

Cartridge Filter Pros:

• Filters contaminants as small as ten microns
• No backwashing; less h2o waste
• Performs well at low speeds, such equally with variable-speed pumps

Cartridge Filter Cons:

• More work than sand filters
• Lasts merely two to 3 years
• Deep cleaning required 1 to 2 times per twelvemonth

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Diatomaceous Earth (D.Eastward.) Filters

The about expensive, maintenance-intensive option as well happens to filter the smallest particles of all three types of filters: 5 microns.

D.East. filter tanks contain grids or "fingers" covered in the crumbly, white pulverization. The powder is made from the crushed fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms chosen diatoms. Though D.Eastward. and sand pool filters are different, the fossils in D.Due east. are also composed of silica. The powdery substance can be found in pest control, cosmetics, and even toothpastes, but D.Eastward. fabricated for puddle filters is estrus-treated to piece of work equally a filtration media. So don't become sprinkling that pest-control powder into your pool filter when you run out of D.East., mm-kay? Nosotros're talking about different kinds of pests here.

Aftermath or Crash-land Cleaning

Like sand filters, a pressure gauge on the tank will permit you know when it'south time to clean your D.E. filter. Typically, D.E. filters are backwashed simply like sand filters. Some brands feature a bump handle, which lets you lot knock the used D.E. off the grids or fingers to clean.

Whether you backwash or bump the filter, you lot'll need to add together more D.E. powder after every cleaning. It tin be difficult to determine exactly how much to add, and then it's particularly important to disassemble and clean the filter by paw at least once a year.

How to Add New D.E. to the Filter

Afterwards you've cleaned your filter, rather than calculation D.East. powder directly to the grids, you'll get much improve coverage if you lot add it through the pool's skimmer.

• Mix the D.Due east with enough h2o to make a slurry, which will look like a thin, flossy solution.
• Make sure the pool pump is running.
• Slowly cascade the solution direct into the skimmer.

As the D.Eastward. passes through the filter, it will evenly distribute over the grids. You'll need to wait a while earlier swimming to give the mixture time to fully integrate with the filter, so you may want to practice this in the evening, and then run your pump overnight.

Illegal Backwashing

Some cities and towns appreciate backwashing as much as parents of small children do. Yours may have regulations specifying how to legally dispose of used D.E.

When it's rinsed from the grids, D.Eastward. powder can build up over fourth dimension, creating a concrete-like residue that tin clog storm drains or suffocate fish eggs.

Usually, you lot'll be allowed to empty quondam D.East. into a disposable container and place information technology in the trash. Check with your local potency for specifics to ensure you don't end up with a fine, and more than chiefly, don't damage the environment.

Cancer Run a risk with D.E. Filters

Though D.East. is a known carcinogen, it has only proved cancer-causing in mice when inhaled long term.

Important: Condom first. Prevent accidental inhalation past wearing a chemical mask when yous handle D.E. powder. As well, go on children and pets away from the area when you're working with D.E. powder, and from the surface area where it's stored. Immediately make clean up any spilled powder.

Chemical Mask

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D.Due east. Filter Pros:

• Filters contaminants as small every bit v microns
• D.E. powder can be added through the pool skimmer
• No caustic chemicals are required for cleaning

D.E. Filter Cons:

• Highest price filter
• Almanac cleaning is a lot of work
• Grids need replacement every 2 to 3 years
• Difficult to find for above ground pools
• Backwashing may exist restricted by locale
• D.E. pulverisation tin be harmful if inhaled

Size Matters

A pool filter and a puddle pump go hand in hand. The filter tin't function without the pump to move water through it. And neither will work properly if the pump isn't the correct size for your puddle.

Before you lot settle on a pool filter, brand sure you have the right size pool pump.

Filter Size

Filters are rated past gallons per minute (GPM) per foursquare human foot. The filter catamenia rate must be rated at least the same GPM every bit your pump, or higher. With pool filters, information technology's best to err on the larger size and then information technology can handle the power of your pump. A helpful rule of thumb is to cull a filter with at least 1 square foot per 10,000 gallons pool capacity.

Deal shoppers beware. Information technology's prissy to save coin when you can. But off brands tin can come and go, leaving you searching for replacement products from defunct companies down the road. Buying a pool filter from a trusted manufacturer can save you headaches and dollars in the long run.

How to Troubleshoot a Puddle Filter

Because information technology plays such an important role in keeping your pool clean, it'due south imperative that you proceed your pool filter in good status. Filters run into a few common problems, and knowing how to recognize them will aid you troubleshoot, and then repair them.

Leaks

Do you hear or see water dripping around the filter? Have you noticed a pocket-sized pool forming below it? If so, your pool filter may have sprung a leak.

A leak in your filter won't crusade a meaning drop in your pool'southward water, only it's still important to place and repair the problem earlier it worsens.

Starting time, try to identify the source of the leak. Check the filter's tank for any holes. If you practice find one, y'all may be able to patch it. But exist prepared to replace the tank because a patch likely won't agree up for very long.

If yous have split-tank filter, check the belly for leaks. Remove the band and inspect the O-ring for wear and tear or debris. If it's worn out, you lot'll demand to supervene upon it. Remember to add puddle gasket lubricant to assist in sealing, and to keep the ring hydrated, which will help it concluding longer.

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Cycle Bug

If your filter oft seems to be running simply in short cycles, and you lot notice this happening even when the pool isn't in use, the filter could have a flow rate problem.

The likely problem is that the catamenia charge per unit is as well high, which means your puddle pump may be likewise strong for your filter. It could also mean your filter isn't big enough for your pool.

If your filter is the right size, you may need to aftermath the filter for a longer flow of time. When backwashing, remember to go on the process until the water in the sight glass is clear. This could accept several minutes.

The filter may also be running in shorter cycles considering algae or other debris is bottleneck information technology. Clean the puddle filter thoroughly, and consider replacing information technology if it seems worn out.

Filter Material in the Pool

It'southward not uncommon to meet some filter cloth in the puddle after backwashing, regardless of what kind of filter you accept. Simply if you start noticing it when you haven't only backwashed, you may have a problem.

The first thing to check is the bolts holding the filter in place. If they're loose, it could allow particles to escape into the pool. If they're non, await for other causes.

If you take a sand filter, the filter lateral or standpipe may exist broken. If it is, y'all'll need to supplant it.

If you have a D.E. filter, in that location could exist tear in the fabric of the grid, or fifty-fifty a crack in the filigree manifold. Again, if this is the trouble, you'll demand to replace the manifold.

Water Pressure Problems

Checking the pressure gauge should be part of your regular pool maintenance. Problems with water force per unit area can impact your pool filter'southward performance.

If the pressure is as well low, there could be a blockage in the arrangement somewhere before the filter. If the pressure is as well high, there could be a blockage at some indicate after the filter.

Thoroughly check the filter organisation to encounter if information technology'south chock-full, and clean it if necessary. If y'all don't find any clogs, and the filter is clean, check the return valve to brand sure information technology's completely open, and then double check the lines to run across if y'all tin find a clog.

Best Sand Filters

If yous're looking for low-cost, low-maintenance filtration that won't clog up chop-chop, iv models stand out higher up the remainder.

Hayward S244T ProSeries Acme-Mount Sand Filter (Inground)

Featuring a weatherproof, corrosion-proof tank, the Hayward S224T ProSeries is built to concluding. Information technology's bachelor in 3 sizes and includes a multi-port valve.

Yous tin can go models with side mounts, if needed. Plus, you merely have to aftermath it every few months, depending on how often you utilise your pool.

Pentair Triton II Side Mount Sand Filter without Valve (Inground)

Created with ease of utilize in mind, the Pentair Triton II is the picture of simplicity. The pressure guess is conveniently located and like shooting fish in a barrel to read. Its swing-abroad diffuser gives you quick admission to the sand. And the combination sand/water drain makes winterizing a snap.

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump (Above Ground)

If yous have an Intex pool, why not get a sand filter designed specifically for it? The Intex Krystal Clear has a 24-60 minutes timer so you can automate filter cycles. The six-part valve easily switches between filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close.

At the end of the season, it's easy to quickly intermission downward and shop this filter through the winter. Plus, y'all'll only take to supervene upon the sand every five years or then.

Best Cartridge Filters

Want a effectively filter media than sand, without the expense or labor-intensive maintenance? Four cartridge models do the job.

Pentair 160301 Make clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter (Inground)

Designed with the maximum filter surface surface area to clean your water more chop-chop and efficiently than other filters, the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus has an effective filter area of 420 square anxiety. Internal and manual air relief brand maintaining good water force per unit area easy. It filters 150 GPM inside a sturdy, injection-molded tank.

Hayward C4001575XES EasyClear Filter (To a higher place Footing)

From a trusted name in the pool industry comes the Micro StarClear. This lilliputian Hayward filter is only correct for above ground pools under 24,000 gallons. It offers easy access to the cartridge for changes, and you can rotate the caput and so the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve are right where you lot need them.

Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump (Above Footing)

If you're an Intex owner looking for a cartridge filter, this is for you. Unlike other options, this filter uses disposable cartridges. Maintenance is as user-friendly equally turning the handy flush valve and popping in a new cartridge.

At the stop of the season, dismantle and store information technology with your pool. If your atmospheric condition is mild, its double-walled construction means you can just leave it up with no worries.

All-time D.E. Filters

For just a bit more than money and maintenance, y'all can savour the all-time filtration available by choosing a D.East. filter.

Pentair 188592 Quad Cartridge Style D.Eastward. Puddle Filter (Inground)

Designed with easily removable cartridges, the Pentair Quad makes maintenance a little easier on y'all. It has four, large-chapters cartridges that provide loads of area then your pump uses less free energy to go the water just as clean as other D.East. filters.

The increased surface expanse also means it takes longer to clog, so you can make clean it less oft. It'south all housed inside a durable, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank.

Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Puddle Filter (Higher up Footing)

If you're looking for serious cleaning and low maintenance, expect no further than the Hayward Perflex Extended-Bicycle. Featuring a absurd crash-land mechanism that allows the D.Due east. Flex-Tubes to clean themselves, this model means minimal cleaning fourth dimension. Information technology'due south designed to minimize resistance, so it can maximize efficiency at lower horsepower.

The Best Filter is the One That'due south Best For You lot

Y'all can spend less money for less maintenance and less filtering. Or invest a little more up forepart for amend filtering for the toll of more fourth dimension and work. It's really up to y'all what'south best for your schedule and your budget.

No affair what puddle filter you cull, recollect that keeping your water chemical science counterbalanced gets you more than halfway to a make clean pool. Stay on pinnacle of cleaning and maintenance, and your filter can final you lot for many years to come.

Happy Swimming!

Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim Academy® and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. Since and so, his mission is to make pool and hot tub care easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to assistance more than people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting.

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